"It's a good fit for us with his speed and ability to make things happen," Dombrowski said.

"(Manager Jim Leyland) just figures Torii did so well last year in that No. 2 spot. He's going to plan on hitting Hunter (there) to set the tempo, and then go with Cabrera, (Prince) Fielder and (Victor) Martinez."

Hunter hit .313 with the Los Angeles Angels last season, but .343 while hitting second. The majority of his at-bats came behind rookie Mike Trout.